NEXUS: What It Means, How It Works, Ineligibility

What Is NEXUS?

NEXUS is a government-sponsored Trusted Travelers Program that allows pre-screened U.S. and Canadian citizens to expedite border crossings. U.S. and Canadian citizens using NEXUS experience expedited border crossings into the United States and Canada with less immigration and customs questioning. NEXUS is valid for air, land, and sea travel, and a NEXUS ID can be used instead of a passport.

NEXUS also helps the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reduce travel risks by increasing the number of known safe travelers.

Understanding NEXUS

NEXUS members experience more efficient border crossings between the United States and Canada through dedicated lanes, airport kiosks, and land and sea border checkpoints. NEXUS members do not have to remove their shoes, belts, or light outerwear for airport security screenings and can keep their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant bag of liquids in their carry-on bags.

NEXUS members can use the Global Entry and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Precheck traveler programs without applying separately to each. Global Entry members can use the NEXUS program to cross the border from Canada into the United States without becoming NEXUS members. However, expedited crossing from the United States into Canada requires NEXUS membership.

Applying for NEXUS

NEXUS applicants must pay a $50 fee (USD or CND), rising to a $120 fee as of October 1, 2024. All applicants must submit to a background check and a personal interview. If approved by both the United States and Canadian governments, applicants receive a NEXUS ID card with their photo and radio frequency identification document (RFID) functionality. The card is valid for five years and can be renewed following the same procedure as outlined above. The date of expiration is calculated from the next birthdate after the cardholder's last interview. NEXUS participants can also have their irises scanned as an alternative form of identification at border crossings.

NEXUS is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent U.S. residents, Canadian citizens, and lawful permanent residents of Canada. Individuals with a criminal history, customs violations, or immigration violations—or who do not meet the criteria for admission to the United States or Canada—may not be approved for NEXUS. Either country can deny an individual’s application, but both must approve it.

Reasons for NEXUS Ineligibility

You may not be eligible for participation in the NEXUS program if you:

• Provide false or incomplete information on the application
• Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants (including driving under the influence)
• Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations or laws in any country
• Are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency
• Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation
• Cannot satisfy CBP or Canada Border Services Agency of your low-risk status

The Bottom Line

NEXUS is a government-sponsored program that enables pre-screened American and Canadian citizens to travel more freely between countries than those who haven't been screened. Those who have been pre-screened can cross the U.S.-Canada border without a passport.